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GSL

Forecast systems that deliver solutions

Global Systems Laboratory
Learn how we're advancing research in Renewable and Clean Energy

The Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) is one of ten NOAA Research Laboratories and is located in Boulder, Colorado. Our research improves environmental prediction models, develops state-of-the-science decision support tools, visualization systems, and uses high-performance computing technology to support a Weather-Ready Nation.

GSL strives to advance its workforce scientifically, technically, and professionally. We are also committed to increased diversity equity, inclusion and accessibility as well as a strong foundation for career growth.

GSL's research serves the nation

The research we do improves weather data, forecasts, and computing techniques used by industry, decision-makers, and stakeholders.

Our work makes the nation's operations safer and more efficient, helps protect lives and property, and promotes economic prosperity.


Public Safety

Public Safety

GSL’s models and technology help emergency managers respond to weather threats quickly.


Aviation

Aviation

Our tools help the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduce air traffic delays and increase safety.


Energy

Energy

GSL’s weather models enable the energy industry to plan for the variable nature of wind and solar energy.


Fire Weather

Fire Weather

Decision support systems and smoke models developed by GSL help with wildfire operations.


Read more about GSL's impacts

Latest News

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NOAA names first manager of new Fire Weather Testbed

June 05, 2023

A veteran meteorologist with the National Weather Service has been selected to lead NOAA’s new Fire Weather Testbed.Zach Tolby, formerly a Senior Forecaster and Incident Meteorologist (IMET), at the Reno, Nevada Weather Forecast Office, was recently selected to be the first Manager and Lead Scientist of the Fire Weather Testbed,...

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MADIS data system moves to full operations

April 19, 2023

The NOAA National Weather Service and the greater meteorological community rely on high-quality observations to better understand the atmosphere, improve weather forecasts, and support warnings for hazardous weather events. GSL recently transferred the final versions of the flagship observation system, the Meteorological Assimilation and Data Ingest System (MADIS) to NOAA...

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Forecasters test Threats In Motion this spring

April 19, 2023

NOAA NWS forecasters are testing an experimental weather alert system called Threats In Motion (TIM). Threats in Motion lets forecasters create moving warning polygons for hazardous weather to alert the public in its path. The legacy warning system poses a challenge for forecasters when the hazardous weather appears to be...

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Successful Projects

Research-to-Operations (R2O)

Research-to-Operations (R2O)

GSL has a history of successfully transitioning atmospheric research into advanced products and services for weather operations.

Learn more about R2O
Regional Models

Regional Models

We are the leader in developing and evolving regional weather models. The Rapid Refresh, High-Resolution Rapid Refresh, and RAP Smoke are just a few.

Learn more about our models
Unified Forecast System

Unified Forecast System

GSL is part of a major community effort to develop a coupled, comprehensive Earth modeling system.

Read how GSL supports the UFS

GSL Mission

Lead research and directed development through the transition of environmental data, models, products, tools, and services to support commerce, protect life and property, and promote a scientifically literate public.

Research Areas

Organizational Excellence, Earth System Prediction, Advanced Technologies, and Decision Support are the foundation to achieving the GSL Grand Challenge: Deliver actionable global storm-scale prediction and environmental information through advanced technologies to serve society.